Set within a steeply sloping site, connecting out-buildings are built into the slope with a retaining wall flanking mature trees on oneside and a bridle-path (old toll-road) on the other.

The brief was to retain the cottage element and replace the outbuildings and conservatory with something new and ‘cool’ so we designed a simple but elegant contemporary extension. A glazed link sits below the wide-brimmed eaves of the cottage to add definition between old and new; abutting this is a cantilevered steel and timber box that floats over the roots of the neighbouring trees, leaving open glazed ends that benefit from the expansive views out, whilst a single storey rear extension provides more accommodation to the ground floor and a link, via the terrace to the gardens beyond.

• Work starts on site this month
• Scheme won resounding support from Rushcliffe Borough Council for proposing a bold and ambitious extension on a tricky and potentially unforgiving site
• The palette of materials includes folded zinc cladding, frameless glass balustrades and GRC cappings to emulate concrete